exercised significant authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercised significant authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has wielded a considerable amount of power or control in a particular context or situation. Example: "The manager exercised significant authority over the project's direction, ensuring that all team members adhered to the established guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nonetheless, the Afghan Taliban leadership group in which Baradar reigned, known as the Quetta Shura, has exercised significant authority in recent years, particularly over Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan, where U.S. marines have been fighting house to house.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

By 1524 Mary negotiated significant authority and influence for herself.

Wikipedia

With the restoration of constitutional government in 1983, the provinces and municipalities once more exercised the authority of local government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But unlike Mr. Jiang or Mr. Hu, Mr. Deng had long exercised sweeping authority without holding official titles like party chief or president, so his decision to keep the military post was not as much of a conspicuous effort to retain power in retirement.

The New York Times

Amid the uncertainty, Pellegrini stayed loyal and exercised calm authority to keep his squad together, somehow cajoling another strong league campaign as well as a remarkable Champions League voyage which only ended in the quarter-finals, where Malaga came within an absent offside flag of overturning Borussia Dortmund as Felipe Santana's late strike sealed a 3-2 aggregate win for the German side.

BBC

The agency said that "multiple registered representatives" at Wells Fargo, including McMurtry, exercised discretionary authority to purchase asset-backed commercial paper on customers' behalf.

Huffington Post

On 28 November 1912 in Vlorë, Ismail Qemali declared Albania's independence, and a provisional government was soon formed that exercised its authority only in the immediate area of Vlorë.

Wikipedia

"Ben-Gurion exercised authority," said Gideon Shimoni, a historian of Zionism at Hebrew University's Institute of Contemporary Jewry.

The New York Times

They found evidence that the leadership in Calabria exercised authority over gangs as far away as Canada.

The Economist

The two exercised authority in the president's name and filtered information from all levels of government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the Byzantine Empire, the secular ruler was called "priest and emperor" and exercised authority as head of the church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercised significant authority", ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope and limitations of the authority. Be specific about what areas or decisions the authority covers to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "exercised significant authority" when the actual power or influence was limited or nominal. Ensure that the authority was genuinely substantial and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercised significant authority" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, detailing how a person or entity has used their power. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, the structure highlights the active application of substantial authority in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercised significant authority" is grammatically correct and effectively conveys the active use of substantial power or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is relatively uncommon but appropriate in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. Alternatives such as "wielded considerable power" or "held substantial control" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the scope and limitations of the authority being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wielded considerable power

Emphasizes the power aspect of the authority more directly.

held substantial control

Focuses on the control aspect derived from the authority.

exerted considerable influence

Highlights the influence that comes with having authority.

possessed extensive jurisdiction

Indicates a legal or official capacity to exercise authority.

commanded considerable respect

Suggests that authority is maintained through respect.

enjoyed broad discretion

Implies the freedom to make decisions due to authority.

maintained sweeping powers

Emphasizes the extensiveness and reach of the powers.

presided with notable power

Focuses on the act of presiding and the power involved.

governed with considerable strength

Highlights the strength and effectiveness of the governance.

held sway with marked influence

Indicates that the authority allows one to influence others.

FAQs

How can I use "exercised significant authority" in a sentence?

You can use "exercised significant authority" to describe someone who has wielded considerable power or control in a specific context. For example, "The manager "exercised significant authority" over the project's direction."

What are some alternatives to "exercised significant authority"?

Some alternatives include "wielded considerable power", "held substantial control", or "exerted considerable influence". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Is it appropriate to use "exercised significant authority" in formal writing?

Yes, "exercised significant authority" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly and professionally conveys the idea of someone having substantial power or control.

What's the difference between "exercised significant authority" and "held considerable power"?

While both phrases are similar, "exercised significant authority" emphasizes the active use of authority, whereas "held considerable power" simply indicates the possession of power, whether or not it was actively used.